DE102023126578A1 - COMBINED SENSOR ARRANGEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

A sensing device includes two or more sensor assemblies, a housing configured to house the two or more sensor assemblies, a first sensor assembly configured to sense a first property, a second sensor assembly configured to sense a second property, and an output assembly configured to provide an output signal from the sensor device depending on an output of the first sensor assembly and an output of the second sensor assembly, wherein the first property is different from the second property and the sensing device is configured to provide a combined signal output via the output assembly.

Description

field of technology

The present disclosure relates to devices and systems for managing gas or liquid flows.

General state of the art

The present disclosure relates to a sensing device configured to provide an output signal based on an input signal from a particulate filter pressure sensor and an exhaust gas temperature sensor.

Brief description

Pollutants released by automobiles are highly controlled and must meet strict emissions standards imposed by the world's governments. Such pollutants include, but are not limited to, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur oxides, particulate matter such as soot or smoke, and other volatile organic compounds; for example NMOC.

Consequently, vehicle manufacturers and the like often utilize exhaust aftertreatment devices such as diesel particulate filters (DPF) and gasoline (GPF) to reduce the number of pollutants released into the wider atmosphere.

Soot, a byproduct of normal engine operation, accumulates in the particulate filter over time and as a result of the combustion process. Soot is a solid and thus cannot penetrate the walls of the filter and therefore remains there. The accumulation of soot can inhibit the flow of fluid through the filter and thus can increase the fluid flow pressure upstream of the filter. Excessive accumulation of soot can impair engine performance. This accumulation of soot can be detected by a fluid pressure sensor.

Particulate filters undergo a regeneration process that removes this soot, increasing fluid flow through the filter and thus reducing the filter pressure drop back to an acceptable level. Regeneration is the process of oxidizing (burning) the accumulated soot from the filter. This can be done either passively from the exhaust heat of the engine during normal operation or actively introducing very high heat into the exhaust system. Particulate filter regeneration can generally be controlled by the vehicle's engine control unit (ECU), and both approaches to filter regeneration require a fluid temperature sensor to manage and monitor this process.

A combination of fluid pressure and temperature sensors is common for an emissions control system. Often such sensors are formed as separate units and such sensors are expensive due to the high temperatures of an exhaust and exhaust gases. Each sensor requires a connection to the vehicle's ECU. In addition, the additional requirement of mounting arrangements at lower temperatures and vibrations for the electronics and high temperatures and vibrations for a connection to sense the fluids within the exhaust increases the cost and complexity.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, systems and devices are provided that include a sensing device that includes two or more sensor assemblies. The sensing device includes a housing configured to house the two or more sensor arrays, a first sensor array configured to sense a first characteristic, and a second sensor array configured to sense a second characteristic, wherein the first property differs from the second property. The detection device further includes an output arrangement configured to provide an output signal from the detection device in response to an output of the first sensor arrangement and an output of the second sensor arrangement, the detection device being configured to provide a combined signal output via the output arrangement.

In some examples, the second sensor arrangement is located within the structure of the first sensor arrangement.

In some examples, the second sensor arrangement is coaxial with the first sensor arrangement.

In some examples, one or both sensor assemblies are attachable to the housing.

In some examples, one or both sensor assemblies are partially external to the housing.

In some examples, the second sensor arrangement is configured to sense fluid temperature.

In some examples, the first sensor arrangement is configured to sense a fluid pressure.

In some examples, the combined signal output from the first and second sensor assemblies passes through a control circuit.

In some examples, the control circuit comprises an application specific integrated circuit.

In some examples, the application-specific integrated circuit is a signal processing unit.

In some examples, the combined signal output is communicated through at least one single-edge nibble transmission.

In some examples, the single edge nibble transmission is configured to operate at 5 volts.

In some examples, the sensing device includes one or more mounting assemblies.

In some examples, the sensing device is configured to be attachable to an exhaust system.

In some examples, the mounting assembly is configured to be attachable to a mounting structure.

In some examples, the sensor assembly is configured to allow the first and second sensors to pass through the wall of a structure to which the sensor is attached.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine in a vehicle is provided. The exhaust system includes an exhaust aftertreatment device, an exhaust gas outlet pipe and a detection device. The detection device includes two or more sensor arrangements. The sensing device includes a housing configured to house the two or more sensor arrays, a first sensor array configured to sense a first characteristic, and a second sensor array configured to sense a second characteristic, wherein the first property differs from the second property. The detection device further includes an output arrangement configured to provide an output signal from the detection device in response to an output of the first sensor arrangement and an output of the second sensor arrangement, the detection device being configured to provide a combined signal output via the output arrangement.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an exhaust system for a vehicle is provided. The exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe including a sensor passage and a sensor mounting point, a sensing device including two or more sensor assemblies, a housing configured to house the two or more sensor assemblies, and a mounting assembly, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to be attached to the sensor mounting point and the two or more sensor assemblies are configured to pass through the sensor passage in the exhaust pipe, the first sensor assembly configured to sense a first characteristic and the second sensor assembly configured to sense a second characteristic, the first characteristic being different from the second characteristic, and the sensing device is configured to provide a combined signal output from the first and second sensor assemblies.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid flow management system, e.g., an exhaust system, is provided for a vehicle.

It should be understood that other features, aspects and variations of the present disclosure will become apparent from the disclosure of the drawings and the detailed description.

In addition, it is further understood that additional or alternative examples of methods and systems for controlling an electrical accessory may be implemented within the principles set forth by the present disclosure.

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• 1 veranschaulicht eine beispielhafte Schnittansicht einer Erfassungsvorrichtung gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung.
• 2 veranschaulicht weiter eine beispielhafte Schnittansicht einer Erfassungsvorrichtung gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung.
• 3 veranschaulicht eine beispielhafte Umrissansicht des Sensorgehäuses gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung.
• 4 zeigt ein schematisches Diagramm, das die Vorrichtungen und Systeme für eine Erfassungsvorrichtung gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung veranschaulicht.
• 5 veranschaulicht eine beispielhafte Innenansicht einer Erfassungsvorrichtung gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung.
• 6 zeigt ein schematisches Diagramm, das einen Signalflusspfad von einer ersten und einer zweiten Sensoranordnung durch einen Signalprozessor hindurch und in eine Ausgabeanordnung hinein gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung veranschaulicht.
• 7 veranschaulicht ein beispielhaftes Diagramm eines Abgassystems gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung.
• 8 veranschaulicht ein beispielhaftes Diagramm eines Fahrzeugs, das ein Motor, ECU,-Abgassystem und eine Erfassungsvorrichtung gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung umfasst.
• 9 veranschaulicht eine beispielhafte Innenansicht eines Teils einer Erfassungsvorrichtung gemäß einigen Beispielen der Offenbarung.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

• 1 illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of a sensing device according to some examples of the disclosure.
• 2 further illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of a sensing device according to some examples of the disclosure.
• 3 illustrates an exemplary outline view of the sensor housing according to some examples of the disclosure.
• 4 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the devices and systems for a sensing device according to some examples of the disclosure.
• 5 illustrates an exemplary interior view of a sensing device according to some examples of the disclosure.
• 6 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a signal flow path from first and second sensor arrangements through a signal processor and into an output arrangement according to some examples of the disclosure.
• 7 illustrates an example diagram of an exhaust system according to some examples of the disclosure.
• 8th illustrates an example diagram of a vehicle including an engine, ECU, exhaust system, and sensing device according to some examples of the disclosure.
• 9 illustrates an exemplary interior view of a portion of a sensing device according to some examples of the disclosure.

The figures in this document represent various examples of the disclosure disclosed for illustrative purposes only. It is understood that additional or alternative structures, systems and methods may be implemented within the principles set forth by the present disclosure.

Detailed description

1 shows a front view of a detection device 100 according to some examples of the disclosure. The detection device 100 includes a sensor housing 110, a mounting arrangement 120, a first sensor arrangement 210 and a second sensor arrangement 220.

The first sensor arrangement 210 includes a connection arrangement and is configured to detect a first characteristic, and the second sensor arrangement 220 also includes a connection arrangement and is configured to detect a second characteristic. In some examples, the first sensor assembly 210 includes a pressure sensor and a connection thereto, and the second sensor assembly 220 includes a temperature sensor and a connection thereto, and the first characteristic is a particle filter pressure (PFP) and the second characteristic is an exhaust gas temperature (AGT). .

In some examples, the second sensor assembly 220 is a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor may take the form of a thermistor or a thermocouple. The operating environment of a typical exhaust is harsh and a typical operating temperature range for a temperature sensor suitable for a vehicle exhaust system is between minus 40 degrees Celsius and 1200 degrees Celsius. In some examples, a typical exhaust stream temperature during operation is between 300 and 500 degrees Celsius. However, exhaust gas temperatures can vary based on several factors such as engine load and the measurement location. In some examples, at idle, exhaust stream temperatures may be between 200 to 300 degrees Celsius. In some examples, at peak load, exhaust stream temperatures may be between 500 to 700 degrees Celsius.

In some examples, the pressure sensor may be a micromachined glass membrane that includes a circuit. The circuit may be a Wheatstone bridge circuit formed from resistors and attached to or formed as part of the surface of the membrane. An analog amplifier and buffer may be used with the sensor to output a signal.

In some examples, the sensor housing 110 may have a shape that most efficiently packages the internal components of the sensing device. In other examples, the sensor housing may have a shape that best accommodates one or more mounting assemblies. In some examples, the first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 are configured to be attachable to the sensor housing. When attached, the first and second sensor assemblies may protrude at least partially into the sensor housing 110. In some examples, the first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 may be substantially housed within the sensor housing 110 such that the sensor assemblies 210 and 220 are substantially within the sensor housing 110.

The first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 may protrude through a common opening in the sensor housing 110. Alternatively, the first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 may protrude through separate openings in the sensor housing.

The first sensor assembly 210, when configured to sense exhaust pressure, may reside within and protrude from the sensor housing such that the first sensor assembly includes at one end one or more openings through which an atmospheric pressure reading may be obtained by a pressure sensor and at the other end an opening through which fluid communication between an exhaust system fluid and at least one pressure sensor may be facilitated. Both ends of the first sensor assembly may be configured to be attachable to form a seal adapted to enclose a fluid medium and prevent loss of any fluid medium, whereby communication between a pressure sensor and an exhaust system fluid may be facilitated. Further details regarding the particulate filter pressure sensor are provided below in the description of 5 given.

The second sensor assembly 220, when configured to sense an exhaust gas temperature, may protrude into the sensor housing such that a communication means from the temperature sensor tip located within the fluid stream of an exhaust gas communicates with a control circuit located within the sensor housing 110.

The second sensor assembly 220, when within the fluid stream of an exhaust, may protrude at least partially into an opening on an exhaust system surface such that the sensor tip is within the fluid stream of an exhaust. The second sensor assembly 220 may be installed in an exhaust system such that it forms a seal suitable for limiting the loss of any fluid flow from an exhaust system.

The mounting assembly 120 is arranged to enable the sensing device 100 to be attachable to a surface. In some examples, the sensing device may accommodate more than one mounting assembly. The mounting assembly may accommodate any suitable means by which the sensing device may be attached to a vehicle, including both chemical and mechanical means. These means may include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, threaded inserts, rivets, welds, adhesives, standoff fittings, brackets and shoulder fittings.

Generally the sensors have two parts. A sensing element that responds to the sensed physical parameter and the electronics that convert the output into a readable signal. In the case of temperature, the detection element, the thermocouple or the temperature-dependent resistor, must be located within the medium/exhaust gas. Two high-temperature wires connect it to the remotely mounted electronics unit.

The pressure sensing element, which may be a silicon membrane, can sense pressure remotely. Pressure is transmitted to it via a flexible high-temperature pipe connection. In both cases, a lug on the exhaust is required to allow sealed access to the fluid. In that case 2 There is a separate pressure and temperature approach on the exhaust. In that case 1 A combined single approach is provided.

In some examples, the sensing device is attachable to an exhaust system using a shoulder fitting, the shoulder fitting being secured to the exhaust system surface.

The first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 are, in some examples, arranged to pass through a common opening in the sensor housing. The second sensor assembly 220 may pass coaxially within the structure of the first sensor assembly 210, whereby the second sensor assembly passes through the first sensor assembly opening 214. In some examples, the second sensor assembly 220 may pass through the first sensor assembly opening 214 such that the axis center of the first sensor assembly is not aligned with the axis center of the second sensor assembly. In this example, the structure of the first sensor assembly may be configured to act as a protective sleeve for the communication wires 222 of the second sensor assembly, as shown in 5 can be seen. In some examples, the protective sleeve may be suitable for high temperature environments.

In one example, the second sensor assembly 220 extends through an opening formed by the first sensor assembly 210. This may allow the sensing device to be mounted on the exhaust of a vehicle and require only a passage through the vehicle's exhaust through which the first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 can enter the exhaust.

In some examples, the first sensor arrangement includes more than one opening through which fluid communication between an exhaust fluid stream may be facilitated or through which a second sensor arrangement may at least at least partially extend therethrough. In some examples, the first sensor assembly opening 214 may be approximately tubular or any other shape and is mechanically arranged to provide a fluid flow path to allow exhaust fluid to be in fluid communication with at least one pressure sensor. In this example, the second sensor assembly 220 includes a pair of high temperature wires connecting the thermocouple within a fiberglass tube such that the thermocouple forming the second sensor assembly 220 is in the flow of the exhaust fluid to measure the temperature thereof.

In this example, the first sensor assembly opening 214 is configured to enable fluid communication between an exhaust system fluid and at least one pressure sensor. The second sensor assembly 220 is configured to enable communication between an exhaust system fluid and at least one temperature sensor, and the second sensor assembly may be positioned such that when the sensor assembly is installed in an exhaust system, the second sensor assembly is positioned within the fluid flow within the exhaust. In one example, the temperature sensor is a thermocouple.

In this example, both sensor assemblies are configured to extend at least partially through a common opening of the sensor housing 110. In some examples, such as in 2 As shown, the first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 extend at least partially through separate openings of the sensor housing.

In some examples, the first sensor assembly 210 and the second sensor assembly 220 are either individually or together configured to be at least partially integrated into the sensor housing such that the sensor housing forms part of at least one sensor assembly. In such examples, the first and second sensor assemblies may be configured to be attachable to the sensor housing to form a seal capable of enclosing a fluid medium through which the first and second sensor assemblies may be in fluid communication with an exhaust system.

2 shows an interior view of a detection device 100 according to some examples of the disclosure. The detection device 100 includes a sensor housing 110, a mounting arrangement 120, a first sensor arrangement 210 and a second sensor arrangement 220. In this example, the first sensor arrangement 210 and the second sensor arrangement 220 extend at least partially through separate openings of the sensor housing.

In some examples, the second sensor assembly 220 passes through a separate opening in the sensor housing 110 from the first sensor assembly 210. In some examples, the first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 may pass through a single opening in an exhaust by means of a sealing ring or adapter provided in 9 shown, namely the flange tube 234. This may allow the sensing device to be mounted on the exhaust of a vehicle and only requires an opening through the exhaust of the vehicle through which the first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 can enter the exhaust, reducing complexity. The sensing device 100 is intended to be mounted on the chassis of a vehicle.

3 shows an outline view of a sensing device 100 comprising a sensor housing 110. The sensor housing comprises an internal cavity which is used to house the components of the sensing device from 1 In some examples, the sensor housing is configured to accommodate at least one mounting assembly at one end and at least one connector at the other end. In some examples, the sensor housing may take a shape suitable for accommodating more than one mounting assembly. In some examples, the sensor housing may also accommodate at least one sensor assembly. The sensor housing may have any shape that most efficiently packages the internal components of the sensing device.

4 shows a schematic representation of the detection device 100 from 1 and 2 The detection device comprises a first and a second sensor arrangement 210 and 220, a control circuit 400 and an output arrangement 300.

In some examples, the control circuit 400 includes any combination of generic circuit components to enable communicating signal values from a sensor to a signal processor. Generic circuit components include, but are not limited to, central processing units (CPU) that process data, memory that stores programs and data to be processed, and various input/output devices as peripherals that communicate with the outside world, including internal communications connections, such as buses. In some examples, the control circuit 400 includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and in other examples, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other suitable chip configured to provide at least one analog signal input to at least one to process digital signal output. In this example, ASIC 500 is a signal processor configured to process an analog signal from the first and second sensor arrays. In some examples, more than one signal processor is present. The output assembly 300 processes the signal output from the signal processor and is configured to communicate the processed signal to an electrical control unit (ECU), as in 8th shown.

5 shows a snippet of an example with a single port, as in 1 shown. In some examples, the control circuit includes at least one sensor interface chip 310 suitable for communicating analog signal values from a sensor to an analog-to-digital signal processor. In some examples, a first sensor interface chip (e.g., 310 above) is configured to communicate an analog signal from a semiconductor pressure sensor and a second sensor interface chip (e.g., 310 left) is configured to communicate an analog signal from an exhaust gas temperature sensor communicate. In some cases, a single interface chip is configured to process signals from both a thermocouple and a semiconductor pressure sensor.

In some examples, a pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to the sensor assembly port 214 (e.g., represented by the white box 212 and the small tube at the inside end of the tube 214). In some examples, a gauge pressure sensor is used for 212 and the reference is fluidly coupled to atmospheric pressure. In some examples, the exhaust gas temperature sensor is remotely connected by wires 222 communicating an analog voltage or current. In some cases, a digital representation of the first sensor value is chained to a digital representation of the second sensor value and output using a single pin. In other cases, an analog representation of the first sensor value and an analog representation of the second sensor value are output using individual pins.

6 shows a schematic of a signal path according to some examples of the disclosure. The schematic shows an output arrangement 300 configured to provide an output signal from the sensing device in dependence on an output of the first sensor arrangement 210 and an output of the second sensor arrangement 220. The output of the first and second sensor arrangements passes through a signal processor 310. In some examples, the output arrangement may provide an output signal from the sensing device in dependence on an output from either the first sensor arrangement or the second sensor arrangement or both sensor arrangements. In some examples, the output signal is communicated through at least one coding scheme. In this example, the output arrangement is configured to provide a signal output to an ECU as shown in 8th shown.

In some examples, the output signal may be encoded by any suitable analog-to-digital coding scheme. Examples of coding schemes include, but are not limited to, local interconnect networks (LIN), controller area networks (CAN), and single-edge nibble transfers (SENT). The single-edge nibble transfer (SENT) coding scheme is intended for automotive applications as a simple, low-complexity alternative to CAN or LIN. It transmits sensor data from a sensor module to an engine control unit (ECU). A single digital input is all that is required for a SENT sensor because communication is performed over a digital bus and the ECU no longer requires analog input with an analog-to-digital converter. In the example shown in 6 As shown, at least a single-edge nibble transmission is used as a simple, low-complexity alternative to CAN or LIN. CAN is relatively complex, whereas LIN is simpler but slower. In some cases, the slow channels of SENT are used to communicate additional parameters, such as the internal temperature of the control chip or the air pressure.

In one example, the outputs of the first sensor array 210 and the second sensor array 220 are coupled to the signal processor 310, and the signal processor is configured to output a SENT signal according to established SENT protocols. SENT protocols are known in the art.

7 shows an exhaust system 600 including an exhaust aftertreatment device 700, an exhaust outlet pipe 610, a sensing device 100, wherein the sensing device is configured to be attachable to the exhaust system, according to some examples of the disclosure. The first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 are shown together with a third sensor assembly 230 located on the other side of the exhaust treatment device. In the present example, the exhaust treatment device is a gasoline particulate filter (GPF).

In some examples, a sensing device is configured to sense a pressure delta via an exhaust aftertreatment device 700. In some examples, the pressure delta across an exhaust aftertreatment device requires at least two pressure sensor readings; in examples an inlet stream pressure and an outlet stream pressure in the cases of GPF and EU7/SULEV. In some examples, an exhaust system 600 includes one or more pressure sensors.

In some examples, a sensing device is configured to sense a temperature delta across an exhaust aftertreatment device 700. In some examples, the temperature delta across an exhaust aftertreatment device requires at least two temperature sensor readings; an inlet stream temperature and an outlet stream temperature. In some examples, an exhaust system 600 includes one or more temperature sensors.

In the present example, the sensing device is configured to sense a PFP and an AGT from an exhaust system positioned anywhere along the exhaust system 600. In other examples, the sensing device may be configured to be attachable to any point in an exhaust system.

8th shows a vehicle 1 according to some examples of the disclosure. The vehicle includes an engine 10, an engine control unit (ECU) 20, a control circuit 400, a sensing device 100, and an exhaust system 600. In this example, the ECU is configured to receive communications from the sensing device and transmit a control signal to the engine, which in turn communicates with an exhaust system. The sensing device 100 is located upstream of the exhaust aftertreatment particulate filter.

9 shows an example of how both pressure and temperature sensors could be combined for use with a single approach. In 9 , a portion 900 of a sensing device 100 is shown in accordance with some examples of the disclosure. The wires 222 for the thermocouple 224 are protected within the tube 226 that transmits gas pressure to remotely mounted electronics. The partial sensing device includes a temperature sensor tip 224, temperature sensor communication wires 222, and a fluid sensor tube 226. The partial view further includes a temperature sensor protection tube mounting flange that allows for the transmission of fluid pressure 230, a gas path spacer 232, a pressure tube flange and seal 234, a threaded portion 236, and a freely rotating sensor flange lock nut 238.

In some examples, the temperature sensor tip 224 is located within the fluid stream of an exhaust gas. In some examples, the temperature sensor tip 224 is in communication with at least one control circuit located within the sensor housing 110, as previously shown. In some examples, the temperature sensor communication wires 222 are located within the structure of a sensor tube 226. In some examples, the sensor tube is at least partially made of a temperature resistant material suitable for high temperature environments typical of exhaust gas streams.

In some examples, the sensor tube 226 is mechanically arranged to provide a fluid flow path to enable exhaust fluid to be in fluid communication with at least one pressure sensor. In some examples, the sensing device 100 includes at least one temperature tube flange 230 and at least one pressure tube flange and seal 234 adapted to enclose a fluid medium through which the first and second sensor assemblies 210 and 220 may be in fluid communication with an exhaust system and adapted to eliminate loss of fluid flow from an exhaust system. In some examples, the sensing pressure tube flange and seal 234 includes one or more openings to provide a fluid flow path to enable exhaust fluid to be in fluid communication with at least one pressure sensor.

In some examples, the sensing device 100 according to some examples of this disclosure is configured to be attachable to an exhaust system. In some examples, the sensing device is configured to be attachable using a threaded portion 238. In some examples, the sensing device may be attachable to an exhaust system using both chemical and mechanical means. These means may include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, threaded inserts, rivets, welds, adhesives, standoff fittings, clamps, and lug fittings. In some examples, the mechanical means of attachment may also include a freely rotating clamp nut 238 or any means that allows the sensing device to rotate about a vertical access such that the sensor tip 224 is at least approximately remains at the same location within the fluid flow of an exhaust.

This disclosure is for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the systems and processes discussed above and is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. More generally, the foregoing description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and the scope of the disclosure is best determined by reference to the appended claims. In other words, only the following claims are intended to set limits on what the present disclosure contains.

Although the present disclosure is described with reference to specific exemplary applications, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto and that specific combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects may be independently implemented and/or provided and/or used . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art would understand that the acts of the processes discussed in this document may be omitted, modified, combined and/or rearranged and any additional acts may be performed without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Any system features as described in this document may also be provided as a method feature and vice versa. As used in this document, means plus functional features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structure. It is further understood that the systems and/or methods described above may be applied to or used in accordance with other systems and/or methods.

Any feature in one aspect may be applied to other aspects in any convenient combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to system aspects and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect in any convenient combination.

According to the present invention, a sensing device includes two or more sensor assemblies, the sensing device being provided to comprise: a housing configured to house the two or more sensor assemblies; a first sensor assembly configured to sense a first property; a second sensor assembly configured to sense a second property; and an output assembly configured to provide an output signal from the sensor device in dependence on an output of the first sensor assembly and an output of the second sensor assembly, wherein: the first property is different from the second property and the sensing device is configured to provide a combined signal output by means of the output assembly

According to one embodiment, the second sensor arrangement is located within the structure of the first sensor arrangement.

According to one embodiment, the second sensor arrangement is coaxial with the first sensor arrangement.

According to one embodiment, one or both sensor arrangements can be attachable to the housing.

According to one embodiment, one or both sensor arrangements are partially located outside the housing.

According to one embodiment, the first sensor arrangement is configured to detect fluid pressure.

According to one embodiment, the second sensor arrangement is configured to detect a fluid temperature.

According to one embodiment, the sensor is a thermocouple.

According to one embodiment, the combined signal output passes through a control circuit.

According to one embodiment, the control circuit includes an application-specific integrated circuit.

According to one embodiment, the application-specific integrated circuit is a signal processing unit.

According to one embodiment, the combined signal output is communicated through at least one single-edge nibble transmission.

According to one embodiment, the single edge nibble transmission is configured to operate at 5 volts.

According to one embodiment, the detection device includes one or more mounting arrangements.

According to one embodiment, the mounting assembly is configured to be attachable to a mounting structure.

According to one embodiment, the mounting structure is further configured to be attached to an exhaust system.

According to one embodiment, the sensor assembly is configured to allow the first and second sensors to pass through the wall of a structure to which the sensor is attached.

According to the present invention, there is provided an exhaust system comprising an exhaust aftertreatment device, an exhaust outlet pipe and a detection device as described above.

According to the present invention, there is provided an exhaust system for a vehicle, comprising: an exhaust pipe including a sensor passage and a sensor mounting point; a sensing device including two or more sensor assemblies, a housing configured to house the two or more sensor assemblies, and a mounting assembly, wherein the mounting assembly is configured to be attached to the sensor mounting point and the two or more sensor assemblies are configured to pass through the sensor passage in the exhaust pipe, and wherein: a first sensor assembly is configured to sense a first characteristic, and a second sensor assembly is configured to sense a second characteristic, wherein the first characteristic is different from the second characteristic, and the sensing device is configured to provide a combined signal output from the first and second sensor assemblies.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having at least one of the detection devices as described above.

Claims (15)

Detection device including two or more sensor assemblies, the detection device including: a housing configured to house the two or more sensor assemblies; a first sensor arrangement configured to detect a first characteristic; a second sensor arrangement configured to detect a second characteristic; and an output arrangement configured to provide an output signal from the sensing device in response to an output of the first sensor arrangement and an output of the second sensor arrangement, wherein: the first characteristic is different from the second characteristic and the detection device is configured to provide a combined signal output by means of the output arrangement. Detection device according to Claim 1 , wherein the second sensor arrangement: i. is located within the structure of the first sensor arrangement; and/or ii. is coaxial with the first sensor arrangement. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 and 2 , wherein one or both sensor arrangements: i. are attachable to the housing; and/or ii. are partially located outside the housing. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 3 , wherein: the first sensor arrangement is configured to sense a fluid pressure; and/or the second sensor arrangement is configured to sense a fluid temperature. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 4 , wherein at least one of the first sensor arrangement and the second sensor arrangement is a thermocouple. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 5 , wherein the combined signal output: i. passes through a control circuit; and/or ii. is communicated by at least one single edge nibble transmission. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 6 , wherein the control circuit includes: i. an application-specific integrated circuit; and/or ii. a signal processing unit. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 7 , with the single edge nibble transmission configured to operate at 5 volts. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 8th , wherein the detection device includes one or more mounting arrangements. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 9 , wherein the mounting assembly is configured to be attachable to a mounting structure. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 10 wherein the mounting assembly is further configured to be attached to an exhaust system. Detection device according to one of the Claims 1 - 11 , wherein the sensor assembly is configured to allow the first and second sensors to pass through the wall of a structure to which the sensor is attached. Exhaust system comprising an exhaust gas aftertreatment device, an exhaust gas outlet pipe and a detection device according to one of Claims 1 - 12 includes. An exhaust system for a vehicle, the exhaust system comprising: an exhaust pipe including a sensor passage and a sensor mounting point; a sensing device including two or more sensor assemblies, a housing configured to house the two or more sensor assemblies, and a mounting assembly, the mounting assembly configured to be attached to the sensor mounting point and the two or more sensor assemblies configured to pass through the sensor passage in the exhaust pipe, and wherein: a first sensor assembly is configured to sense a first characteristic and a second sensor assembly is configured to sense a second characteristic, the first characteristic being different from the second characteristic, and the sensing device is configured to provide a combined signal output from the first and second sensor assemblies. Vehicle that has at least one of the detection devices according to one of the Claims 1 - 12 includes.

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